The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
Dhoni returns as big league cricket sets foot in the United States
INDIA VS WEST INDIES T20IS
USA IS a “special” market for cricket and there is no reason why the game can't be successful here, asserted captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on the eve of India's first international match on American soil.
“As far as the facility is concerned, it is as good as you would get anywhere in the world. Yes, the stadium is not that big, though when it comes to the playing area it is a perfect ground,” said Dhoni today ahead of first of two T20 Internationals between India and the West Indies at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium here.
Dhoni, who returns to action after a long break, feels cricket in America is a win-win for the game and the huge Indian diaspora living here.
“Also, what we have to see is that it is a new venture for cricket. Looking at everything, it is a perfect staging ground. Few of other international teams have already played here, also not to forget that some of the T20 leagues have happened. The infrastructure looks good. Overall it is a big occasion. Stepping into the USA for the first time as the Indian cricket team. As far as effort is concerned, I always felt the USA was big market, a lot of sub-continent people stay here, not only Indians. I feel it is a good start. The timings (broadcast) are also good. It feels good to be here. Earlier people living in US used to travel to the the West Indies to support us but now they have the opportunity to catch the action here itself," said Dhoni, who is expecting a bigger crowd support for his team than the West Indies.
India registered a comfortable win the preceding Test series in the West Indies but they are a much better unit in the limited overs format. Dhoni too said beating the reigning World T20 champions will be tough.
“I would say in limited overs format, the West Indies are extraordinary. They have the right balance, they are entertaining as well. It will be very interesting (the two match series). It is an early morning start here but it won't make much of a difference," said the skipper. Dhoni further said that playing only two formats has helped him focus on his fitness.
“During this (break) time, fitness is quite easy to maintain. The reason is you have ample time to prepare. What becomes a slight issue is the cricketing aspect. There was a lot of rain back home in India so most of the schedule was indoor with a bit of bowling machine to go with it. There was not much outdoor activity. Anyway feels good to be back. Also, this year we won't be playing a lot of limited overs cricket so this gives us an opportunity to make the most of two days we have," said the wicket-keeper batsman.
“There is a time for everything. When you start playing, you want to play as much as you can irrespective of the location. That way it is difficult to maintain fitness and workload. But when you get a break, you can follow a proper schedule. It gives you ample time. I have put emphasis on my fitness to prolong my career,” Dhoni added.
He is also looking forward to working with Anil Kumble the coach, having playing alongside him in the past. “I learnt a lot from Anil bhai, especially in Tests though I have also played with him in ODIS. The way he used to bowl to a batsman, how accurate he was, his consistency was amazing. Also, how clear he was in his thinking and gameplan. All of that will help him as a coach. Modern day cricket is all about adjusting and that is something that Anil bhai did very well. Apart from that, he is a straightforward guy. The last couple of days with him has been interesting. The more time I spend with him, I get to know him even more as a coach," Dhoni added.
Mindset change: Kumble
Meanwhile, Kumble said that he is happy with the success in the preceeding Test series and the team at his disposal. “Of course the start (of coaching career) always makes it that much sweeter when you've had success and I can't ask for a better set of players in terms of what I want from them,” he said. “They are extremely committed, very disciplined and you tell them what you need and they are ready to put their hand up and do it.”
Kumble was excited to work alongside limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the first time in his capacity as coach.
“This is the first time that I'll be working with MS, obviously we have played together over a long period of time and we had a chat yesterday and today as well. I'm really looking forward to working with him and the new set of boys like Bumrah who's joined as well. I've worked with him in the IPL so it's nice to be a part of the India dressing room again.”
Calling the shift from Tests to T20s mainly as a "mindset change", Kumble was aware of the change they may see in their eighthranked opposition.
“West Indies has always been a tough side, they are the T20 world champions. About the shift that we need to make from Test cricket to T20, the West Indies players may not have to do that because some of them are coming straight from the CPL. They are quality cricketers and have shown consistently how good they are and we had a tough match in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup as well. In terms of the quality that we are going to encounter, we are aware of that. It's going to be a challenge and I think the Indian team has done really well over the last six months as a T20 side as well so that's something that we are looking forward to.”